As the Thanksgiving holiday weekend ends, travel enthusiasts gear up for Travel Tuesday. Known as a day for scoring discounts on flights, cruises, and hotels, the date has quickly become a favorite for travelers planning their next trip.
With a 500 percent spike in online searches between 2021 and 2023, according to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies ranging from airlines and hotels to cruise operators are launching their most enticing offers to capitalize on the travel season.
Experts emphasize the importance of preparation and flexibility when navigating Travel Tuesday discounts. Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the travel platform Going, advised researching typical travel costs in advance to distinguish genuine bargains.
“People are in shopping mode this time of the year, and sometimes we hit purchase on just any ‘deal’ that pops up, thinking we are saving a ton of money when, in reality, the deal might not be so great,” Nastro said in an interview with ABC News.
Travel Tuesday occurs on the Tuesday following Cyber Monday, making it December 3 this year. The day is dedicated exclusively to travel deals, offering discounts on flights, accommodations, and cruise packages. Many companies begin rolling out deals in the days leading up to the event, with some promotions continuing for several days after.
Travelers can find deals on platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hopper. Booking.com advertises discounts of up to 50 percent on accommodations worldwide, while Expedia provides up to 30 percent savings for members. Bundling options for flights, hotels, and rental cars often offer additional savings.
Joining travel rewards programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy, can unlock exclusive discounts. Subscribing to alerts and newsletters from airlines and travel platforms can also provide early access to deals.
Acting quickly is essential, as many offers are time-sensitive.
Several airlines are offering enticing deals for Travel Tuesday 2024, including:
Breeze Airlines offers domestic flights starting at $29, and Hawaiian Airlines features one-way fares to Hawaii for $111.
Cruise operators are offering significant savings, including:
Travel Tuesday allows travelers to plan their vacations for 2025 and beyond at reduced prices. Monitoring platforms and acting quickly on deals can help secure the best options.